High-tech additions ‘make Mondeo user-friendly’

The new Mondeo has been made a safe and user-friendly vehicle thanks to the inclusion of a range of high-tech accessories, according to Ford.

Psychology experts were asked to tap into the "intuitive logic" of a mobile phone when deciding on how the gadgets in the car should be controlled.

A human-machine interface (HMI) was consequently developed, which enables Mondeo drivers to easily use the car’s phone, cruise control and audio systems without major distraction.

Simplicity of use is achieved through steering wheel-mounted buttons which allow navigation through the HMI’s menu options.

"Ford HMI is about a consistent approach to activating systems such as phone, cruise control and audio in new Mondeo," said Ford development supervisor Dr Stefan Becker.

"In simple terms, if you were to get into the new Mondeo having never driven the car, you can answer a Bluetooth-connected phone, set the speed or change the music without resorting to the vehicle handbook."

As well as offering convenient facilities to the driver, the HMI system has a dual-control element which allows the passenger to access certain systems and adjust comfort settings.